Antique Cloth Felt Brazilian Joao Perotti Dutch Girl & Boy Dolls, Lenci style14"

Description

This pair of dolls was made in Sao Paulo by Joao Perotti, who was influenced, or possibly worked for, a popular Italian doll designer, Madame Lenci who started making dolls in 1918. This type of doll has a face of molded felt with brightly painted eyes and bow lips. The body is dense stuffed cloth. These two present an interesting contrast to their Brazilian origin, with blond hair (mohair) and more or less traditional Dutch attire. Their clothing is velvet and muslin with felt ornamentation, and both have
klompen
(wooden shoes) on their feet. The boy's puffy blue pants, red jacket and cap with small visor is typical. The girl's sweet blonde braids are capped with the pointed and curled bonnet that we've come to expect from advertising products from Holland. Her, white collar, crossed white scarf on chest and apron are true to tradition, as well. But there is some playful, South American influences in the choice of red for the skirt and multicolored zigzag trim on blouse, skirt and apron. There is even a windmill depicted in felt on the apron! They also came carrying wooden buckets on each arm. Having been displayed (& possibly played with) then wrapped up for years, there is age, fading, and and some moth damage. The last is most noticeable on the boy's right cheek & right hand.Their eyes could use a touch up.
They will still display well and are a rare find for their cultural representation.